Disturbingly small camera modules

[daqq]

OK, not exactly HD, but still:
https://ams.com/miniature-camera-modules

[SteveyG]

We've used some similar devices for endoscope applications from Omnivision - they are a bit tricky to assemble in volume. We had a steep learning curve with the CMO.

Even the HD and higher resolution cameras are available in tiny packages.

[Red Squirrel]

Was going to say this is common given how small the camera modules in a phone are... but wow that *IS* VERY small! 

Those could be interesting to play with though, like you could build an inspection snake for water supply lines or other oddball applications with something that small.

[amyk]

That's a very odd resolution. 256x256 would've made more sense, but I guess they couldn't spare the extra few pixels...

The datasheet is an interesting read, there is some slight Chinglishness. It only needs 4 wires to interface, two of which are for power. You can vary the frame rate by varying the supply voltage(!), and for 505 pixel clocks after each frame, the sensor lets you use the same pins as it normally outputs video on to write configuration data to it. It has a single 16-bit configuration register, which you must use at least once to set the pixel reset voltage to something other than the reset default of "do not use" 1.4v.

It is not cheap though, which is surprising given how the die is probably smaller than a lot of other cheaper sensors with much higher resolution.

[chicken]

$68 on Digikey, ouch. My first project idea was fly eye. But that’s a non-starter at that price point.

[BravoV]

Wonder how much smaller the ones that are manucfactured for big brother's espionage/inteligence parties. 

[FreddieChopin]

Wonder how much smaller the ones that are manucfactured for big brother's espionage/inteligence parties. 

We can only guess but you can order "spy" cameras from China that are disguised in a philips screw head. Perfect for spying in toilets 

[raptor1956]

As small as the lens aperture is the resolution is going to be limited by diffraction even if they could pack several MP's into it. 


Brian